Photo: Shutterstock After a lengthy testing period, the European Union's new Entry/Exit System (EES) will enter its final phase this week. Starting on April 10, 2026, the system will be fully operational at all external border crossings in 29 European countries.
Gradually launched since October 2025, the system will replace passport stamps with advanced digital registration of entries and exits, completely changing the experience of crossing European borders for millions of travelers.
Starting this week:
- Every entry and exit will be recorded in a digital system
- Passengers' personal data will be collected
- At most crossings, biometric data (facial photo and fingerprints) will also be collected.
The system will apply to non-EU citizens, arriving for a short stay of up to 90 days in a 180-day period.
Once the system is fully operational, passports will no longer be routinely stamped, and the length of stay will be tracked automatically. Any time overstay will be immediately detected in the system.
In addition, the system will also record cases of refusal of entry into EU countries.
The European Union emphasizes that the goal is to streamline inspection processes, strengthen border controls, and reduce overstays, but in the first days of full operation, there may be congestion and changes in inspection processes at airports.